Naturally-occurring treefall gaps are an important part of forest ecology, playing a prominent role in the regeneration of both pioneer and non-pioneer tree species. Nate Lemoine is setting out to understand how insect herbivory plays a role in the growth and health of plants at treefall gaps. By caging small plots within gaps, he is deterring deer and other animals from eating the plants. He is also using herbicide to deter insects from some plots to compare to controlled plots where only water is sprayed.

Above-ground tree roots.

Peeking through the roots.

The sun peeping through to the gap. Treefall gaps provide unique conditions for plants including increased sunlight.

Intern Megan Palmer (Brown ’14) sprays plots with water.

Lemoine and Palmer walk past the treefall gaps during one of their regular spray sessions.

This caged plot has been receiving herbicide treatments and seems to be growing better than the plot where insect herbivory is occuring.